The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word FACERS
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More clues leading to the result FACERS
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "sudden difficulties" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case sudden difficulties = facers.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does FACERS mean?
FACERS noun- An unexpected and stunning blow or defeat.
- One who faces; one who puts on a false show; a bold-faced person.
- A blow in the face, as in boxing; hence, any severe or stunning check or defeat, as in controversy.